March 17th – the day everyone wants to be Irish

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations were held as early as 1737 in Boston.

They say the Irish are a creative contention, with ready wit, a quick retort, good humor and good fellowship. As a rule, Irish women are especially unique and gifted.

“I think Irish women are strong as horses, incredibly loyal

and for the most part, funny, witty, bright and optimistic in the face of devastating reality.”

Fionnula Flanagan

“May those who love us, love us; and those who don’t love us,

may God turn their hearts;

and if He doesn’t turn their hearts,

may he turn their ankles so we’ll know them by their limping.”

A Classic Irish Blessing

The Irish bars on Geary Blvd and Clement Street promise to be packed, SRO, really loud and very festive.

Natives know: the real Mecca for Irish dancing, Irish beer and blarney is Molloy’s famous Irish pub in Colma. Sure now, the wanna be Irish will weave in and out of the bars SOMA and on Geary Boulevard.

The real true green, hard-core, passionate, Irish will be throwing a few back at Molloy’s. And, of course, Harrington’s and the Irish Cultural Center.

Wear green, have fun, take a cab, and remember, wherever you go and whatever you do, may the luck of the Irish be with you. Slainte.

St Patrick’s Day – Growing up Green

A world of shamrocks, shillelaghs, Guinness and Blarney

In second grade, at the St. Patrick’s Day Talent Show, Philip Kirk recited a poem he wrote weaving in the surnames of everyone in our class. He cleverly used all 55 names and finished with a flourish that now seems more James Joyce than eight-year-old boy.

In grammar school I walked to class with the Murphys, the Donovans, and the Sullivans. I ate lunch with two Maureens, two Colleen’s, Mary Kate, Mary Ellen, and Mary Margaret.

On our street we had Burns, Burkes, Brennans, Callaghans, Monaghans, and the Falk families. The milkman was Mr. Walsh and the grocer was Mr. Kelly.

At our high school reunion, 50% of us had become collapsed Catholics. 60% of us were English majors; everybody had memories and memoirs. Mary Elizabeth Moriarty, once a nun, kicked the habit and married an ex-Jesuit. They had one son at Notre Dame and another at Georgetown. Whereas few of us would be called good dancers, many of us know 12-Steps.

In second grade, at the St. Patrick’s Day talent show, Dick Riley recited a poem he wrote weaving in the surnames of everyone in our class. He cleverly used all 55 names and finished with a flourish that now seems more James Joyce than eight-year-old boy.

In grammar school I walked to school with the Murphys, the Donovans, and the Sullivans. I ate lunch with two Maureens, two Colleen’s, Mary Kate, Mary Ellen, and Mary Margaret.

On our street we had Burns, Burkes, Brennans, Callaghans, Monaghans, and the Falk families. The milkman was Mr. Walsh and the grocer was Mr. Kelly.

At our high school reunion: 50% of us had become collapsed Catholics.

60% of us were English majors; everybody had memories and memoirs. Mary Margaret Eileen Sullivan was once a nun and she kicked the habit and married an ex- Jesuit. They had one son at Notre Dame and another at Georgetown. Whereas few of us would be called good dancers, many of us knew 12 Steps.

Although we didn’t appreciate it at the time, we were lucky to have the Sisters of Mercy as teachers. Sisters Suzanne, Brian and Elise were the brightest of the bright; women of great vision, energy and humor. Thank you, sister.

With a flurry of funny cards, emails, texts, and phone calls, we salute St. Patrick’s Day and our proud Green- before our time- heritage.

Green with Envy!

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations were held as early as 1737 in Boston.

The first St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York was 1763. They say the Irish are a creative contention, with ready wit, a quick retort, good humor and good fellowship. Celebrate the day everyone wants to be Irish. Slainte.

“May those who love us, love us; and those who don’t love us, may God turn their hearts; and if He doesn’t turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles so we’ll know them by their limping.” Irish Blessing